Any advice for a future new dog owner?

Question

I have a good friend of mine whose dog gave birth to puppies a few months ago. The puppies are a mixed breed and are probably a Pomeranian/Chihuahua. I'm thinking about bringing one of them into my family, most likely it'll be a male. We have two adults, a teenager, and 7 year old boy in the family. The dog may have to stay by itself for some hours during the day when summer is over and the kids go back to school.

I'm worried that the dog may be possessive of his toys and food. Is there any advice to deal with that or prevent it? We've never had a family dog so are there any good advice or tips for new dog owners?

By the way, thanks for any help. [:

Answer 1

How is the temperament on the parents of the litter? The apple really doesn't fall far from the tree!
In my opinion, Toy dogs don't make the best family dogs. I'd recommend one of the Sporting breeds for a child. My all-time favorite mid-sized dog for kids is the English (or Welsh) Springer Spaniel. They require some grooming, but don't shed too much, are generally great with kids and easy to train. Females are a little bit easier than males, but either should make a terrific pet. They will need a good thirty minute walk every day.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Pekingese are great too and need less exercise. They are small, sweet and generally quiet.

Vizslas, Setters, Labs and Goldens are usually great with kids but they're bigger and are very boisterous until they are about two. Labs shed a LOT.

Dogs require a lot of time, energy and money to take care of properly. If the dog isn't properly trained, it can chew up your house and your stuff. If it's not housebroken, it can ruin your floors and your furniture.

A good purebred pup can cost $1000 or more. Even "free" dogs cost money to take care of. A crate, books and supplies can cost up to $300. Puppy shots are $200, then $100 a year for boosters. Annual Heartworm test and preventative medication $100. Professional trainer $600 and up. Going on vacation? Boarding kennel $40/day. Spaying? $250.

All small dogs are harder than average to housebreak - small dogs have small bladders and need to go out about every four hours. Many tiny dogs tend to be spoiled, yappy little ankle-biters if they're not raised properly. They tend to be fragile and easily stepped on - a broken leg in a Chihuahua can cost you a bundle for the delicate surgery. They are not ornaments to show off in a Prada shoulder bag - they are living breathing animals that need care and training. If you raise it properly, you can have a great dog.

BEFORE you get any dog you should read some great books on training. (Try not to pick books randomly - there are a lot of bad books out there also!) These are some of my favorites and you can get them on Amazon.com
What All Good Dogs Should Know - Volhard
Good Owners, Great Dogs - Brian Kilcommins
Dog Tricks : Eighty-Eight Challenging Activities for Your Dog from World-Class Trainers by Haggerty and Benjamin
Don't Shoot the Dog - Pryor
Training Your Dog: The Step by Step Method - Volhard
Dog Problems - Benjamin
Cesar's Way - Cesar Millan
Also, watch the Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel. Cesar Millan is the best trainer I've ever seen on TV.
http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/

Answer 2

Having four small dogs myself heres what you do. Ok so first of all if you could get a female I would definatly recommend that cause they dont mark and I find them easier to train. Second keep in mind that as many months as they are old that usually how long they can hold their urine before having to relieve themselves. Puppies are no easy task but you have two teenages it would be great to have them help with the training ie learning responsibilty having them get up to let it out, feed, and walk it. Make sure everyone in the famliy living in the house is involved in the situation and wants the dog, makes life a lot simpler. Also research different training methods and see what you think works best for you ie crate training is what I found most effective, but there is also doggie litter and potty pads. Dont ever EVER give the puppy the run of the house even when you are watching him try to play with him outdoors or on a vinal or linolium floor so any potty messes can be easly cleaned and there is less sent after for him to pick up on when he has to go again. And your worried about him being possessive over toys just reinfoce positive behavior if he become over agressive of anything take it away and in a firm voice say no never hit or use a paper or anything like that. But just take the thing away (not food, taking away food could cause more agression make sure to be very social around his food area he should be fine.) and then try again the next few hrs or next day. Hope this helps any more questions you can email me [e-mail]

Answer 3

First off, do a little internet research on 'crate training' your new dog, believe me, it's worth it and it is a natural process for dogs to stay in their 'caves'. Sometimes my dogs just naturally go into their crates even when they don't have to. You will find a lot of positive reinforcement works better than spanking or swatting the pet during it's puppy-hood. Most will respond to a stern NO and full eye contact when it does something that it should not. This can be used if he does become aggressive towards his food/toys. I've not seen that happen very much if the animal is loved and felt a big part of the family. And by all means, when time comes, have him neutured!! Good luck!

Answer 4

A good way to initially tell is to try to calmly take something he's eating/playing with. If he gives it up voluntarily, that's good. If he growls or snaps, you may have to do some retraining (which might be hard for a first time dog owner). Another good indicator is to pet him while he's eating. Of course, always be careful when doing what I suggested.

Another good thing to invest in is a crate/kennel. Be sure to make the dog feel comfortable there (i.e. do not put him in there for punishment, line it with blankets, etc.). A kennel will make being alone easier on a dog. It will prevent him from destroying household items out of boredom or fear (be sure to put toys in the kennel, too), and will prevent him from hurting himself. Once the puppy's older, he may be perfectly fine in the house by himself and no longer need the kennel, but it's good when they're small.

Good luck!

Answer 5

There is no such thing as a dog that is well-behaved, calm and polite by nature. A lot of the things you mention do not come by themselves. It requires training, training and yet more training. I think your best bet right now will be to get an older dog that has already been trained and fulfills these requirements. A puppy might be too much for you, as they tend to be hyperactive, boisterous, little terrors, where it's up to you to make a good dog out of them. :) Also, since you've never owned a dog or a pet before, I would suggest that you read up on as much as you can regarding dog-language, dog-handling and dog training (clicker-training is a true gem). I'm particularly fond of dog-trainers/behaviourists like Turid Rugaas, Roger Abrantes and Anders Hallgren.

Answer 6

Congratulations on the future pup!

For advice:

Don't neglect shots, neutering, and so on. They may be pricy, but not as pricy and painful as a sick dog can be.

Since he's part pomeranian, he's probably going to have long fur. Groom him often: He'll learn to love it and it will save him tummy troubles from hairballs.

Make sure he has toys he can chew on. He's a puppy, and that means he will chew- especially while teething.

Be prepared to take time house-training him. That's a messy job I know, but very needful.

When you train him, make sure he understands you're the boss. That way he'll pay attention. And incidentally, that should help with the food bowl and toy problem you seem worried about!

Make sure the children know to be gentle with the puppy. That will keep him from being scared, and keep both kid and dog from being hurt.

Good luck!

Answer 7

hello my name is edith, i have two min pins and two english bull terriers i think you just need to remember while the puppy is still small he or she - i recommend a she -she won't mark her territory as a male will... we have 2 males and they are ALWAYS marking their territory.... Patience and firmness when you are training consistancy is the name of the game... praise when its done right .... and firmness -such as NO.. -- when something is done wrong... lots of praise.. give lots and lots of praise..... teach from the very beginning if you don't want the puppy in the dining room when you are eating you put them in another room ... leave them there no matter what while you are eating and when you are done and they have been good tell them GOOD DOG praise praise praise...will eat that up.....and you will have a excellent companion.... we house trained our dogs on newspaper.. they go only on the newspaper now...praise when done right .... just make sure you don't leave any newspaper on the couch....our english bull terrier thought the newspaper left on the couch was left there for her..... so you can imagine????....... made for a good laugh..... at the moment.... start young with the training it may take a while but one day it will just click for your puppy.... also start with a collar and leash when young.. and have the puppy always come to you when not on a leash...when they are older it is a bear to teach that one....I know..... hope this helps

Answer 8

from the day you bring him home, get him used to you sticking your hand in the bowl and taking out food while he is eating. then put it back in and praise him when he does not growl. the same with the toys. make sure he knows they are YOUR food/toys and you are allowing him to have them. invest in a crate and lots of toys. keep him groomed and vaccinated. neuter him because there are way too many unwanted and very adoptable dogs being euthanized in shelters for lack of space. most of all, give him all the love he deserves

Answer 9

Here is a free New Puppy Care and Training eBook that will be quite useful. Normally $29.95!

http://www.dog-training-sites.com/puppies.html

Good Luck!

Answer 10

Owning dogs, Whoo! A big responsibilty!